Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Fontana is 152% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,733/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 44%
$98,187/yr ↑ 88%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 47%
$558,500 ↑ 368%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 79%
$1,990/mo ↑ 103%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 51%
211,921
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $757/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $9,084/year.

Median household income is $46,017/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Lansing — common questions

Is Fontana or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Lansing?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $757/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Lansing?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $46,017/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

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